Take a Closer Look at Your Credit Union's Job Descriptions

by Joyce Marsh, SPHR, Sr. HR Consultant

Job descriptions. They’re something every credit union human resource person and manager know are important, but keeping them current and pertinent can sometimes slip through the cracks.

Having the most accurate job descriptions for your employees not only ensures everyone is on the same page on duties and responsibilities, but they can help protect your credit union from facing disability discrimination claims.

Six Steps to Assist

If your credit union has at least 15 employees, you need to ensure that your job descriptions correctly identify what all the essential job functions are of each position – and list any specific tools or resources needed. Here are six steps to  help ensure that all of your current and potential employees have the most comprehensive job descriptions:

1. Collect Information and Analyze
   Why not start at the source? Interview your employees and managers about the various positions. Use questionnaires. You might even want to take some time to casually observe your employees in their positions to confirm that your descriptions are correct.
   
2. Use Visual Aids
   If an employee needs specific resources or equipment for their job, include a photo of what they are. Or, depending on the position, you could videotape the individual performing their job.
   
3. Identify Hazards
   Include any hazardous exposure disclosures that safety laws require.
   
4. Describe the Environment
   Is the position indoors or outdoors? Is there easy access from one floor to the next (stairs and/or elevator)?
   
5. Mental and Physical
   Be sure the job description includes employer expectations outlining mental and physical requirements, education and training plus any attendance or schedule requirements.
   
6. Making Distinctions
   As with anything, there’s a difference between what’s required and what would be “nice to have.” There’s no place in a job description for the latter. Only include what an employee needs to get the job done.

Writing Those Descriptions

When it comes to sitting down and actually writing the job descriptions, you’ll want to: use simple and concise language with active verbs; try not to include any industry jargon that outsiders may not comprehend; use a consistent format throughout all your job descriptions; and have supervisors and employees verify the information. Combine these and the six steps above and you’ll have comprehensive job descriptions to keep everyone on the same page at your credit union and the Americans with Disabilities Act satisfied.